2017 #PureMichigan Milestone Years

Michigan was founded on January 26, 1837 as the 26th state of the United States of America—making this year its 180th Birthday / Anniversary (depending on how you look at it).

Currently home to nearly 10 million people, spread out throughout two peninsulas, Michigan is the Great Lakes State – the Mitten of Plenty – the Wolverine State. Michigan’s early business history is centered in industries that benefited from its proximity to the Great Lakes: fishing, lumbering, mining, fur trapping and agriculture.

Today, manufacturing remains the state’s top industry—followed by agriculture and tourism. This year, many noted Michigan businesses are celebrating milestone years…here’s a list (please feel free to share others we may have missed).

The very first lock on the St. Marys River was constructed on the north shore to provide passage for trade canoes.This lock was destroyed by American forces during the War of 1812 and cargoes once again had to be unloaded, hauled overland, and reloaded until a new lock opened in 1855.